 |
 |
|
|
|
| Before I came to study at Ryukoku University, I studied Japanese for 2
years in Australia and my Japanese language ability was probably equivalent
to Level 3 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. If you are coming
to Japan to study/improve your Japanese language skills, it honestly does
not matter where you go and what university you choose. But, at Ryukoku
University there is not only a flawless Japanese Language program but the
surroundings are perfect for learning about Japanese history, culture and
modern way of life. The students and staff at Ryukoku University are all
very friendly and willing to assist you during your stay and to help you
excel in your academic life. If you are only concerned about improving
your Japanese language skills, joining an Exchange Program is probably
not the best option for you. However, if you want to improve your Japanese,
understand and learn more about Japan and have an unforgettable experience,
Ryukoku University is the place for you, just as it was for me. |
Daniel Bankowski
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Hi! My name is Sarah Hellebrandt and I came 2 months ago to Ryukoku-University
in Kyoto. At first, I was a bit afraid and thought that the Japanese lessons
will be very difficult, but the teachers are all very nice and helpful.
They care about every student and ensure that everybody can follow the
lesson contents. If you are an exchange student at Ryukoku University,
you get a lot of help every time you ask for something. The program for
international students is very well organized and I am very glad that I
have the chance to study here. |
| From left: Tim Knobloch, Jennifer Adler, Sarah Hellebrandt, David Hubner,
Markus Krieger, Thomas Tartemann, 2007 Exchange Students from Duisburg-Essen
University, Germany |
|
|
|
|
|
|
My name is Thomas Tartemann and I have been an exchange student at Ryukoku
University for approximately two month until now. Five of my friends and
I came here from Duisburg-Essen University in Germany, where we have been
studying East Asian Studies and learning Japanese.
My first impression of Ryukoku University was a very positive one. All
the questions that I had before leaving Germany ( and it can be said that
there were quite a few of them ) were answered promptly.
Therefore, from the very beginning, I felt that Ryukoku University really
cares about her exchange students' concerns.
When I finally arrived in Japan (Kansai Airport) on September 15th 2007,
I was very grateful for what was waiting for me. In fact it wasn't just
someone, but a group of dormitory tutors had come to the airport to receive
me and other foreign students that were arriving that day. This brings
to mind two aspects of my experience at Ryukoku University I'd like to
talk about.
Firstly, the tutors. As I was in a totally new country and completely unprepared
for the scorching heat that greeted me after a grueling 15 hours journey
from Germany, I would have probably not survived my first few days in Kyoto
without their help. The tutors live in the dormitories too, and guided
us to our rooms, introduced us to the basic dormitory rules, gave assistance
in applying for the Alien Registration Card and so much more.
Secondly, the other foreign students. My class consists of 16 students,
from 9 different countries! Although the primary reason for coming to Japan
should be to meet Japanese and to learning more about the Japanese language,
culture and people, an international and culturally diverse community is
definitely another blessing as I get to expand my knowledge about other
parts of the world.
Another important aspect of Ryukoku University I want to write about is,
of course, about the classes itself and the daily life on the campus.
On my first day in Fukakusa Campus (our dormitory tutors guided us there,)
I not only had the opportunity to see all international students for the
first time ( recognizing the diversity mentioned above ) but also experienced
a very impressive entrance ceremony. We were introduced to the International
Center and the staff working there. It has become not only the place we
go everyday to check our mailboxes and to mark our attendance, but it is
also the first place we go to when we have any problems or questions. In
my case, the International Center staff helped me with my study schedule,
dormitory, bank account, scholarship, electricity bill payments etc.
After orientation, the classes began the following week. My weekly schedule
consists of Japanese classes every day and five other classes about Japanese
society, culture and Buddhism. From my point of view, the average level
in and the content of my Japanese classes do match my personal skills very
well and all the teachers do their very best to help me improve my skills.
The other elective classes meet my interests and give me the chance to
learn a lot about different aspects of Japan. As part of our class activities,
we went to Fushimi Inari, Eigamura, and I experienced my very first tea
ceremony etc. These are just some of the many amazing Japanese experiences
that astonished me, but in a very positive way.
Besides those lectures and classes, I personally took the opportunity to
take part in a Speaking Partner Program, which is conversation circle between
Japanese students and international students. I also have a regular meeting
with a Japanese student learning German at Ryukoku University.
I am very glad to have chosen to come to Ryukoku University and to enjoy
the unbelievable effort spent taking care of me! |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Since I arrived in Ryukoku University, I've been living a very interesting
life. The life and culture here is different from what I am used to in
France, and I always have something fascinating to do or experience. Ryukoku
University is a really nice place, with a lot of activities, a lot of clubs
(I'm part of the Light music club), and a lot of friendly people. The Japanese
classes are interesting and the teachers as well as the members of the
International Center are very professional and always ready to help the
students.
In this university, I meet not only Japanese people but people from all
over the world, and I learn about so many different cultures and languages.
I don't want to return to France...
|
Robin Senet
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I think JCLP is one of the best opportunities that I ever got. Since joining
the program, I have been able to develop my Japanese language skills as
much as I hoped. Moreover, it gave me a valuable chance to meet great friends,
including the International Center staff and the tutors who are always
here to help me out, and make my stay in Ryukoku very comfortable. I am
very glad to be here.
|
Porada Teparagul
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JCLP program is an intensive program that allows me to improve my Japanese
and expand my knowledge about Japanese society and culture in one year.
Besides, it is a great opportunity to make international friends and exchange
culture with them. All of the staff and teachers always support me not
only for studying, but also for living in Japan. I am so happy to be here
and it was a right decision to be an exchange student at Ryukoku University.
|
Janwisa Lainok (middle)
|
|
|
|
